Have questions?
We've got answers.
Mission
To provide a safe place to live, work and visit through quality law enforcement practices delivered by dedicated professionals. We focus our efforts and resources to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and enhance the quality of life for all who call Bellevue home.
Guiding Principles
- Respect
We begin by treating others as we would like to be treated. We are fair and considerate in what we do.
- Integrity
We are honest, ethical and steadfast. We strive to do the right thing and lead by example.
- Accountability
On all levels, we take responsibility for our actions and decisions.
- Service
We are active and committed to providing exceptional service to our communities through teamwork, innovation and education.
Vision Statement
We will strive to deliver the highest standard of police services to the public by working in partnership with the community, embracing diversity, building trust and embodying transparency.
The Bellevue Police Department is a growing law enforcement agency with many exciting job opportunities. A career with the Bellevue Police is challenging, yet very rewarding. As a Bellevue police officer, you will deal with a variety of people and cultures as you work to keep Bellevue one of the safest cities in the Pacific Northwest.
One of the best places to be a police officer
One of the largest and fastest-growing cities in Washington, Bellevue is one of the best places to work as a police officer. The department has a tradition of success, as Bellevue enjoys an exceptionally low crime rate and is one of the safest cities in the Northwest. For a department its size, Bellevue’s force offers the opportunity to serve in many specialized positions.
The Bellevue Police Department serves a population of approximately 150,000 in a roughly 33-square mile area. The city is bordered by Kirkland and Redmond to the north, Renton and Newcastle to the south, Issaquah to the east, and Clyde Hill, Medina and Mercer Island to the west.
Currently, the department has 199 commissioned officers, and 50 non and limited commissioned positions. Commissioned ranks are, in ascending order: officer, corporal, sergeant, captain, major, assistant chief and chief. The police chief is appointed by the city manager.
After two to three years of service, officers may be eligible to apply for specialties, depending on the position. Service time at other departments may be considered after the probationary period is passed.
Full-time specialty sections for commissioned personnel within the department include:
- Accident investigations
- Motorcycle traffic enforcement
- Community Crisis Assistance Team
- Community station officer
- Detective – violent crimes, property crimes, fraud
Collateral Duties/Specialties (part-time)
- Field training officer
- Crowd control
- Hostage negotiator
- Honor guard
- Bomb technician
- SWAT
- Defensive tactics instructor
- Firearms instructor
- Evidence technician
- Emergency vehicle drivers instructor
The City of Bellevue is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce.
https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/human-resources/job-opportunities
- Applicants must be 21 years of age and a US citizen or lawful permanent resident who can read and speak fluent English.
- Must be in excellent physical condition.
- Possess, or be able to obtain and retain, a Washington State driver’s license.
- Vision :
Applicant must have normal color vision. Applicant must have vision correctable to 20/20 in the better eye and 20/30 in the lesser eye. Applicants wearing eyeglasses or hard contacts must have uncorrected vision no worse than 20/200 in each eye. Applicants wearing soft contacts must be able to:- Provide verifiable documentation that soft contacts have been worn regularly for at least one (1) year prior to application
- Meets minimum vision acuity standards with soft contact lenses, and
- There are no indications of corneal damage, or conditions of the eye which might require discontinuation of soft contact use
Other
Honesty / Integrity :
Honesty and Integrity are essential traits for a successful career in Law Enforcement. Any false statements, lack of candor, cheating, or failure to fully divulge requested information will result in immediate disqualification from the hiring process.
Background Investigation : Successfully pass a background investigation that includes an employment and reference check, complete criminal and driving history records check, a polygraph examination, and a psychological examination.
Medical Examination : Satisfactorily complete a medical examination per the Public Safety Civil Service Commission standards.
Automatic Disqualifiers:
Drug Use
The use of illegal drugs referred to in this acknowledgement means the use of drugs which are unlawful under the provisions of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act in this state or its equivalent in any other jurisdiction. (Misuse of Prescription drugs will be reviewed on a case by case basis.) Simple possession of most of the following substances will be considered on a case by case basis and may be grounds for disqualification. Note that any use or abuse of drugs may be grounds for disqualification or contribute to rejection during the background investigation; these are merely the automatic disqualifiers. Please call the Personnel Services Unit before applying if you are unsure if the standard applies to you.
The City of Bellevue is a Drug Free Workplace.
The following drug involvement will be disqualifying:
Usage:
Distribution/Manufacturing/Sales:
Forged/Abused Prescriptions:
* For the purpose of this process, the date of application is considered the date of the initial testing with National Testing Network, i.e. the written, reading and video test date.
Criminal Violations: The following will be disqualifying:
Traffic Record: Traffic violations that will be disqualifying include:
Financial Record: Any willful failure to pay income tax or court ordered child support is disqualifying.
Military Experience: Any prior military service members must have been discharged under honorable circumstances.
Potential Disqualifiers
Criminal Relationships:
Applicant maintains an on-going relationship with individuals who have been convicted of felony crimes and/or who are reputed to be involved in recent or current felonious activity.
Criminal Violations:
An applicant’s criminal record, including all arrests, prosecutions, deferred prosecutions, “Alford” pleas, and non-conviction information will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification.
Potential Disqualifiers include:
Driving Record:
Applicant’s driving record shows a continuing and/or recent pattern of poor decision making.
Employment Record:
An applicant’s employment history, including a pattern of unexcused absences, discipline, any terminations, or leaving an employer in lieu of termination, will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification.
Financial Record:
An applicant’s financial history, including excessive credit card debt or unresolved accounts in collection will be thoroughly assessed and may be grounds for disqualification. |
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
- All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
- Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to starting employment.
- Some positions may require obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.
This position performs investigative and general police work involving the protection of life and property, apprehension of criminal offenders, enforcement of laws and ordinances, and the preservation of peace.
Work normally involves patrol, investigation, and traffic enforcement duties, which may be performed in police vehicles, on motorcycles, on bicycles, or on foot. Bellevue Police officers are strongly oriented toward community services and support community-based law enforcement policies. Initial assignment will be to the Patrol Section for a minimum of one year. Patrol officers work a 10 hour 40 minutes shifts on a 28-day cycle.
5 days on duty, 4 days off duty followed by
5 days on duty, 4 days off duty, followed by
5 days on duty, 5 days off duty.
If you are interested in applying for the Bellevue Police Department, please start with Public Safety Testing at:
https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/departments/Bellevue-PD/BPD-PoliceOfficer
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Patrols a designated area of the city in a radio-equipped vehicle, on a motorcycle, or on foot to preserve law and order, prevent or discover the commission of crime, and enforce motor vehicle regulations.
- Answers calls and complaints involving emergencies, automobile accidents, criminal complaints, and other misdemeanors and felonies.
- Conducts investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witnesses, makes arrests, and transports suspects.
- Interviews persons with complaints and inquiries and attempts to make the proper disposition or direct them to proper authorities.
- Acts as jailer or bailiff; serves warrants when assigned.
- Gives information to the public regarding laws and ordinances.
- Appears in court, gives testimony, and presents evidence as necessary.
- Administers first aid in emergency situations.
- Prepares detailed written reports of investigations.
- Performs related work as required.
- Supervision Received and Exercised:
- Employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise discretion in meeting emergencies.
- Assignments and instructions are received from superior officers who review work methods and results, monitor activities, and evaluate accomplishments through personal interviews, inspections, and review of written reports covering assigned activities.
The City of Bellevue values diversity in its workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran’s status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local laws.
At the City of Bellevue, you’ll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The five essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making at the City of Bellevue is: exceptional public service, stewardship, committee to employees, integrity, and innovation. You’ll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. It’s what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.
Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office at 425-452-6838 or bellevuehr@bellevuewa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.
Entry Police Officer
Hourly: $46.08 – $59.02
Monthly: $7,987.54 – $10,229.66
Salary: $95,850.44 – $122,755.89 Annually
Exceptional Entry Police Officer
Hourly: $46.08 – $59.02
Monthly: $7,987.54 – $10,229.66
Salary: $95,850.44 – $122,755.89 Annually
Exceptional entry police officers are certified peace officers who do not meet the lateral police officer requirements. Exceptional Entry officers will hold a Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) Certification from the WSCJTC or Police Officers with a peace officer certification recognized by WSCJTC:
- Successful Exceptional Entry Police officers may be offered a $10,000 hiring bonus.
- Moving Expenses – Up to $7,500 for documented moving expenses if relocating from Out-of-State.
- Three-year employment commitment or must reimburse.
Lateral Police Officer
Hourly: $46.08 – $59.02
Monthly: $7,987.54 – $10,229.66
Salary: $95,850.44 – $122,755.89 Annually
- Successful Lateral police officers may be offered a $16,000 hiring bonus.
- Moving Expenses – Up to $7,500 for documented moving expenses if relocating from Out-of-State.
- Three-year employment commitment or must reimburse.
Qualifications
An experienced (lateral) officer is defined as a Police Officer:
- Who possess a valid and current peace officer certificate from a state training commission that is recognized by the State of Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
- Has at least two consecutive (2) years of police experience.
- With no more than six months break in service from when you left your last police position to the time of submitting your application with the Bellevue Police Department.
Other
- Full family health, dental, vision
- Education incentive
- 4% premium pay for 10 specialty job assignments
- Take home car (officer will receive a $350 monthly stipend until assigned a take home car)
- Workout while on duty (three hours per week)
- On-site fitness center, and self-service food/coffee options
- Comprehensive Quartermaster program that supplies equipment, uniform, and weapons
- Generous professional development and training opportunities (Over 140 hours / year)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Long Term Disability (LTD)
- Survivor Income
- 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
- An ORCA Card bus pass
- Career development and training programs
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at https://c2mb.ajg.com/cityofbellevue
Bellevue Police Department Wellness Program
Wellness Unit Mission
To enhance the overall well-being of all department personnel, retirees, and their families by facilitating proactive strategies to maximize mental, physical, social, and financial resiliency and providing support in managing professional and personal hardship.
Click Here To Learn More
The Bellevue Police Department is proud to have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) since 2005. CALEA accreditation is the gold standard in policing, reserved for less than 6% of all law enforcement agencies in the United States. CALEA Accreditation allows public safety agencies to voluntarily demonstrate they meet an established set of professional standards based on industry best practices and are approved by an all-volunteer Board of Commissioners. Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley serves on the Board of Commissioners.
CALEA has accredited the Bellevue Police Department with the Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation program, meaning it reviews 461 standards over a 48-month period. A CALEA accreditation brings a comprehensive approach to help agencies improve the delivery of public safety services by standardizing approved policies developed by public safety practitioners. CALEA’s goals are to:
- Strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities;
- Formalize essential management procedures;
- Establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices;
- Improve service delivery;
- Solidify interagency cooperation and coordination; and
- Increase community and staff confidence in the agency.
During the most recent 2021 reaccreditation, the CALEA Site-Visit Assessment team highlighted the department’s efforts in being inclusive, stating, “The advisory councils are another demonstration of commitment to the interests of different segments of their community. The BPD shows a commitment to understanding diversity and differing needs, as explained to the assessment teams by several community members. The department has done very well in providing services to its diverse community.”
The Bellevue Police Department offers many career paths, outside of our Police Officer positions, that are great for civilians interested in serving our community as well.
There are 249 positions within the Bellevue Police Department, 199 commissioned officers, and 50 non and limited commissioned positions. The professional staff positions are in every department, including records, property and evidence, investigations, patrol, personnel services and administration. If you’re looking for a rewarding career in support of law enforcement, we welcome your application.
The department has eight limited-commission police support officers. These officers are in uniform and unarmed. They are commissioned to exercise physical restraint, assist with warrant service, transport prisoners and issue parking citations.
For information about the open professional and limited commission positions please go to https://bellevuewa.gov/city-
Community and Police in Partnership Volunteer Program
The Bellevue Police department offers a robust volunteer program that attracts dedicated community members wanting to serve and assist the department in providing a high level of service. The volunteers fill a wide variety of positions that allow officers to focus on primary policing duties.
Volunteer positions include: community substation attendant, bicycle recovery coordinator, police vehicle maintenance coordinator, crime victim assistance specialist, pawn shop associate and event ambassador. Assignments are based on openings, as well as interest, qualifications and availability to serve.
Police Advisory Councils
The police advisory councils reflect the diverse communities that call Bellevue home and are an essential element of our community-building efforts. The councils allow us to partner with community members to guide our decision and policymaking. Council members provide input and feedback on police initiatives and major incidents, helping to ensure we meet the needs of all the Bellevue communities we serve. There are seven advisory councils including African American, Muslim, Latino/Latina, LGBTQI+, Interfaith, Asian/Pacific Islander, and South Asian residents.
The goal of the advisory councils is to strengthen the relationship between the department and the community through trust, respect, and mutual understanding. We do this by establishing an environment that promotes dialogue, education, and a true partnership. The councils collaborate with the department on projects, provide guidance on best practices and approaches, help to identify barriers that exist between police officers and members of the community and develop strategies to eliminate those barriers.
The councils meet once a month, alternating between individual council meetings and group events. Council members will have the opportunity for behind-the-scenes experiences and training sessions with the Bellevue Police Department, including police ride-alongs, defensive tactics training, driving training, recruitment and use of force exercises, to name a few.
To Apply
If you would like to apply to become a police volunteer or an Advisory Council member, please fill out the online application (Click here for application.). Applicants will be contacted if a suitable assignment is available. The application process includes a series of interviews, a complete background investigation and a polygraph exam.
If you have questions, please contact the police volunteer coordinator, Nicole Bells at 425-452-6017 or nbells@bellevuewa.gov.
Police Volunteer Opportunities | City of Bellevue (bellevuewa.gov)
Bellevue police volunteers serve as “extra eyes, ears and helping hands” for the Police Department. They do NOT engage in contacting or arresting persons or criminals. Volunteers are NOT sworn police officers and do NOT carry weapons.
Currently the average time from successful completion of written exam to conditional job offer is approximately 30 to 60 days. The more thorough your application is and the more responsive you are to the background investigator’s requests, the faster we can get you through the process.
The Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) is Washington’s mandated training academy for all city and county entry-level peace officers in the state. With a focus on a guardian model of policing, students attend a wide array of courses throughout the 720 academy hours.
Out of state lateral officers are required to complete the equivalency certification process. This includes the successful completion of a two-week Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy (BLEEA).
Yes. While attending the police academy you receive a salary and all other benefits.
Yes, tattoos are allowed if they do not impact the employee’s ability to maintain a professional appearance. The Chief of Police is the final authority in determining what is permitted by policy.
Currently, conservative styled moustaches, goatees and beards are allowed.
After one to three years of service, officers may be eligible to apply for specialties, depending on the position. Service time at other departments may be considered after the probationary period is passed.
Demographics for the City of Bellevue can be found at Demographic Data | City of Bellevue (bellevuewa.gov)
You can live anywhere you choose. We have officers that live all over the area.
